M_004 Basic Rigging Safety Lecture

Milton J. Shoup III

Mechanical Safety Officer
University of Rochester
Laboratory for Laser Energetics
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 Summary
Safety is everyone’s business and compliance with
safety procedures is MANDATORY

• If an activity or practice seems unsafe, “Stop Work” and take the

time to address concerns
• Only designated or qualified personnel may attach loads to an
overhead hoist
• No LLE personnel are qualified or permitted to repair rigging
equipment
• Only approved/rated rigging gear shall be attached to a load hook
• Load ratings shall never be exceeded
• It is the riggers responsibility to ensure all components used in a
rigging operation meet the required load ratings
— If a rigger is unable to determine a proper rigging configuration
contact ME or an Advanced Rigger for support

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 There are two specific roles in moving materials
overhead, hoist operators and riggers

• The definitions for hoist operators and riggers are as

follows;
— hoist operator: an employee who generally uses an
overhead hoist as a tool to assist in the
performance of their regular job
— rigger: At LLE a rigger is responsible for safely
attaching payloads to the load hook of a hoist.

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 There are two specific roles in moving material
overhead, hoist operators and riggers

• There are 2 classes of training for Hoist operators

— Hoist operator – for overhead vertical lifting with unpowered
horizontal motion
— Overhead Crane operator – for overhead vertical lifting with
powered horizontal motion

• There are 3 classes of training for riggers

— No training is required for rigging payloads <120 lbs
— Basic rigger – for personnel attaching any loads from 120-500 lbs to
any hoist for a pure vertical lift
— Advanced rigger – for personnel attaching any load >500 lbs to any
hoist or any load using multiple load hooks

Overhead rigging of material or equipment is to be performed only by

designated personnel
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 Basic rigging scope of qualification

• Basic rigging training qualifies the individuals to use the following

equipment;
— Slings: Synthetic web slings, round and flat
— Hardware: Hoist rings, eye bolts, shackles, hooks

• Basic rigging training qualifies the individuals to perform the following

activities for payloads up to 500 lbs;
— Conduct rigging operations
— Rig payloads for overhead lifts using the equipment listed above
— Attach payloads to any load hook

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 OSHA Department of Labor (DOL) establishes the rules
for overhead hoists

• The rules for rigging equipment are established in 29 CFR 1910.184

Slings and 29 CFR 1926.251 Rigging equipment for material handling

• The DOL incorporates additional rules by reference by citing additional

standards within the regulations

• ASME B30 pertains to lifting and material-handling related equipment

— There are 28 subparts to ASME B30

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 Purpose of the ASME B30 standard

• The B30 Standard is intended to

(a) prevent or minimize injury to workers, and otherwise provide for the
protection of life, limb, and property by prescribing safety
requirements
(b) provide direction to manufacturers, owners, employers, users, and
others concerned with, or responsible for, its application
(c) guide governments and other regulatory bodies in the development,
promulgation, and enforcement of appropriate safety directives

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 Numerous portions of the ASME B30 standard apply to
rigging equipment

• Each of the B30 sections listed below contain requirements on the

selection, use, maintenance, and inspection
— B30.1 Jacks
— B30.9 Slings
— B30.10 Hooks
— B30.20 Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices
— B30.26 Rigging Hardware

• This lecture distills the ASME requirements into the policies and
practices used at LLE

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 The basic steps for moving a payload

1) Prep work
a. Understand the payload
b. Select the rigging gear
c. Inspect all rigging gear
d. Assign responsibilities
2) Attach the rigging gear to the payload
3) Attach payload to a load hook
4) Move the payload
5) Secure the payload
6) Detach the payload from a hook
7) Remove the rigging gear

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 A vital part of your Prep Work is knowing the payload
and path of travel

• Weight
— Can often be found in “notes” section of a part drawing
— Calculations (volume x density)
— Talk to Mechanical Engineering

• Center of Gravity
— Drawings will sometimes denote CG
— Test lift to determine CG

• Path of travel
— Know that destination is clear and ready to accept the payload
— Insure the path is clear of any obstructions and personnel that will
hinder movement

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 Select rated rigging equipment based upon the payload
and how it is used

• Know the load capacity of the overhead hoists and support structures
— This includes hoist(s), bridges, jibs, or gantries

• Know the load capacity of rigging hardware used in the rigging operation
— This includes the shackles, hoist rings, straps, etc.

• Know how use of the equipment affects the load rating

• Use only load rated products

• NEVER exceed the rated load capacity of any piece of rigging equipment

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 Rigging equipment must be inspected prior to each use
to ensure that it is safe

• Hardware
— Visually inspect all hardware for damage including but not limited
to screws, lifting shackles, hoist rings/lifting eyes, etc.
— Look for thread damage, bent or fractured pieces, intentional or
unintentional modifications
• Slings
— Visually inspect for damage or fraying
— Insure load rating tag is on the sling and legible
— Inspect sewn threads

Any rigging equipment that is found to be unsafe must removed from

service immediately
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 During Prep activities, personnel assignments and
responsibilities are reviewed

• Hard hat and safety glasses must be worn during all rigging operations
• Make sure all personnel involved understand the purpose and the nature
of the operation
• Designate specific tasks to individuals as needed
• Use a ground spotter when lifting loads to upper level areas
• Post a sentry or barricade to prevent personnel from walking under the
payload
• Insure communication between all parties involved is clear and concise
— Example
– Crane operator “Moving the load North”
– Rigger “ Moving the load North aye”

• NEVER leave a suspended load unattended

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 Rated versus non-rated rigging hardware

• The terms “rated” and “non-rated” have specific meaning in the rigging
field

• “Load Rated” products are engineered with special considerations

important to lifting loads with cranes and hoists

• “Non-rated” products often look the same, but are not engineered to
provide the same design factors and safety features as the load rated
versions

• Never use non-rated products for rigging

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 Definitions

• angle of loading: the acute angle between horizontal and the leg of the
rigging, often referred to as the horizontal angle.
• designated person: a person selected or assigned by the employer or the
employer's representative as being competent to perform specific duties
• hoist operator: an employee who generally uses an overhead hoist as a
tool to assist in the performance of their regular job
• line pull: the tension load in a rope entering a rigging block. The term
“pull” is commonly used to describe line pull.
• qualified person: a person who, by possession of a recognized degree in
an applicable field, or certificate of professional standing, or who, by
extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully
demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the
subject matter and work.

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 Definitions

• rated load: the maximum allowable working load established by the

rigging hardware manufacturer. The terms "rated capacity" and "working
load limit (WLL)" are commonly used to describe rated load.
• rigger: At LLE a rigger is responsible for safely attaching payloads to the
load hook of a hoist.

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 Synthetic slings

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 Synthetic slings are used with three basic hitch styles

• Sling ratings are specified for

each of three basic styles;
vertical, choker, and basket

• For the basket style hitch, the load

rating is specified for a 90° sling
angle

Load

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 Synthetic slings come in two basic Styles

• Endless Loop ( EN)

• Eye and Eye (EE)

— Type 3 Flat eye is the most popular for all three hitch styles

— Type 4 Twisted eye is more commonly used for choker hitch

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 Only synthetic slings are to be used at LLE

• Slings are made of either Polyester or Nylon

• Various widths are available – at LLE most are from 1” to 3” wide
• Information sewn into the sling label includes;
— Manufacturers' name
— Serial number
— Load ratings (per hitch style)
— Material
— Length
— Sling Type
— Material

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 Synthetic web slings shall be immediately removed
from service if any of the following conditions exist

• Burn Damage from either heat or chemical sources

— Heat damage may not be obvious
— Any synthetic sling exposed to temperatures above 150 °F must be
removed from service

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 Synthetic web slings shall be immediately removed
from service if any of the following conditions exist

• Snags, punctures, tears or cuts

The red thread (tattletale) exposed in this example mean the sling must be
removed from service. Simply remember “Red is dead”
• Broken or worn stitches

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 Synthetic web slings shall be immediately removed
from service if any of the following conditions exist

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 In a bridle hitch, two, three, or four single hitches are
used together to hoist objects that have lifting lugs or
other attachments

• Bridle hitches can be assembled from individual components (slings,

shackles, hooks, etc.)
• Bridle synthetic slings are permanently assembled units consisting of a
number web slings grouped together on a master link
• Bridle slings typically have 1-4 legs
• Sling ends can be either eyes or various types of hooks

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 Sling rigging practices using a choker hitch

• Set the sling angle to >120° for a

full load rating

• Improperly setting the choke can Sling

reduce the load rating by as much Angle
as 50%

Angle of choke, deg Rated Capacity, %

Over 120 100
90-120 87
60-89 74
30-59 62
0-29 49

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 Sling rigging practices using a basket hitch

• Remember that basket hitch ratings are for slings at 90°

• The legs of a basket hitch are typically collected on a single hook
• A sling angle less than 90° increases the tension (load) in the sling

1000 lbs 1000 lbs 1000 lbs 1000 lbs 1000 lbs

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 Synthetic Sling Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s Don’ts
• Visually inspect slings for any • Do not use if any part of sling is
damage and remove from service damaged
if necessary • Do not use if the safety
• Insure the safety tag is attached, information is missing or not
legible, and has all pertinent legible
information • Do not tie slings together
• Verify load ratings per hitch style • Do not use a sling that has been
• Use “softeners” on sharp corners shock loaded (remove it from
as necessary service)
• Never exceed the load rating

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 Is this sling safe to use? No the red tattletale is
showing

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 The three primary pieces of rigging hardware used at
LLE

• Swivel Hoist rings

• Eyebolts

• Shackles

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 Hoist rings

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 Hoist rings have free movement about 2 axes or
Degrees of Freedom (DOF)

• This motion allows the hoist ring to always be aligned with the sling

Bail

Swivel

Never use a hoist ring if the swivel or bail bind, this is an indication of
damage
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 Swivel hoist rings are able to accommodate various use
angles

• Load ratings based on:

— Size
– Ring size and thread size
— Material
– Commonly alloy steel or stainless steel
— Thread length
– Longer length usually designed for soft metals (aluminum)
– Shorter lengths can be used in ferrous metals (steel)

• Each hoist ring is load tested and comes with a factory certificate

• Many different types and sizes are available

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 The longer “Effective Thread Projection” that is
approximately twice the thread diameter must be used
for a hoist ring threaded into aluminum

Dimensions
Effective
Working Torque Thread
Frame HR-125 Load in Projection Weight
Size Stock No. Limit Ft-Lbs Bolt Size Length Radius Diameter Each
No. (lbs.) A B C D E F G H (lbs.)
2 1016909 2500 28 1/2 - 13 x 2.00 0.7 4.85 1.96 0.87 0.69 3.35 2.29 2.33
2 1016912 2500 28 1/2 - 13 x 2.50 1.2 4.85 1.96 0.87 0.69 3.35 2.29 2.36
2 1016920 4000 60 5/8 - 11 x 2.00 0.7 4.85 1.96 0.87 0.69 3.35 2.16 2.41
2 1016924 4000 60 5/8 - 11 x 2.75 1.45 4.85 1.96 0.87 0.69 3.35 2.16 2.47
2 1016931 5000 100 3/4 - 10 x 2.25 0.95 4.85 1.96 0.87 0.69 3.35 2.04 2.52
2 1016935 5000 100 3/4 - 10 x 2.75 1.45 4.85 1.96 0.87 0.69 3.35 2.04 2.59
3 1016942 7000 100 3/4 - 10 x 2.75 0.89 6.57 2.96 1.36 0.94 4.87 2.98 6.72
3 1016946 7000 100 3/4 - 10 x 3.50 1.64 6.57 2.96 1.36 0.94 4.87 2.98 6.81

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 Hoist ring load ratings and installation torque values
are stamped or etched on an installation placard
located on top of the hoist ring

• Use an allen wrench for initial

installation of the hoist ring
• A torque wrench must always be
used for proper installation of the
hoist ring
• Never exceed the load rating

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 Hoist ring Do’s

• Visually inspect hoist rings for any damage or corrosion on threads and
body
• Insure the installation placard is attached, if not remove the hoist ring
from service
• Use an allen wrench for initial installation and then a torque wrench for
final tightening
• Make sure the thread engagement is appropriate for the base metal the
bolt is being threaded into
— Approximately 1 times the diameter when threading into steel
— Approximately 2 times the diameter when threading into aluminum
• Verify swivel and bail functionality after installation

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 Hoist ring Don’ts

• Do not use if any part of hoist ring is damaged

• Do not use if placard information if missing or not legible
• Do not use a hoist ring if it is not tightened to the recommended torque
• Do not use if the hoist ring does not swivel
• Do not use washers in between the hoist ring and mounting surface
• Do not repair, replace, or modify any piece of a hoist ring
• Do not use if a gap exists between the part being lifted and the hoist ring
• Do not use a hook larger than the diameter of the hoist ring bail opening
• Never exceed the load rating of the hoist ring

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 What is the WLL of this hoist ring? Zero, the threaded
rod, nut, and washers are clearly not an original bolt

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 Eye bolts

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 Machinery eye bolts are not as versatile as hoist rings

• Fixed position based upon thread engagement makes them alignment

sensitive when pulling at an angle
• Can accommodate thru hole applications
• Load ratings are based upon a number of factors
— Size
– Ring size and thread size
— Material
– Commonly forged from carbon steel or stainless steel (carbon
steel and stainless steel have different load ratings for the
same size)
— Use angle
– Can only be used up to 45°
• Two different styles and numerous sizes available

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 There are two styles of eye bolts

• Plain pattern • Shoulder pattern

— straight vertical pulls only — angular pulls up to 45° from
vertical

Shoulder

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 Machinery eye bolts must be used with great care

• Working load limits for eye bolts Working Load Limit

are based on a straight vertical pull Diameter and Straight Pull 45° Pull (Y)
“in a gradually increasing manner” Thread (X) Shoulder Only
1/4"-20 500 125
• Angular pulls will significantly
lower working load limits (see 5/16"-18 900 225
Shoulder Pattern) and should be 3/8"-16 1400 350
avoided whenever possible 7/16"-14 2000 500
• If an angular pull is required, a 1/2"-13 2600 650
properly seated Shoulder Pattern 9/16"-12 3200 750
eye bolt must be used 5/8"-11 4000 1000
• Loads should always be applied to 3/4"-10 6000 1500
eye bolts in the plane of the eye, 7/8"-9 7000 1750
not at an angle to this plane 1"-8 9000 2250
• Angular pulls must never be more 1-1/8"-7 12000 2500
than a 45° pull 1-1/4"-7 15000 3750
1-1/2"-6 21000 4900
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 Loads must always be applied to eye bolts in the plane
of the eye

• Side pull in the plane of the eye • Side pull out of the plane of the
• Sling angle must not exceed 45 ° eye. This configuration must not
be used

Flat washers may be used under the shoulder to position the plane of the
eye
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 Do not reeve slings between attachment points

• Reeving introduces side pull • For 1 lbf at 60° there is also a 1 lbf
• Although the upper sling angle is lateral load. The resultant load on
60°, the resultant sling angle is the eye bolt is 1.73 lbf at 30°.
30°

1 lbf 1.73 lbf

1 lbf

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 Eye bolt identification markings

• Manufacturer and Size

• Eyebolts are not required to be

marked with the WLL or required
installation torque. The user must
look up this information prior to
use

• Do not use any eye bolt for

rigging unless there are clearly
legible identification marks

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 All machinery eye bolts are not created equal, they vary
between manufacturers

• A comparison of the same size Working Load Limit

shouldered eye bolts from two Diameter and Chicago Crosby
manufacturers shows different Thread Straight Pull Straight Pull
WLL 1/4"-20 500 650
• Chicago rates the shouldered eye 5/16"-18 900 1200
bolt for a side pull up to 45° 3/8"-16 1400 1550
• Although Crosby rates the 7/16"-14 2000 -
shouldered eye bolt for a side pull 1/2"-13 2600 2600
up to 90° (25% of in-line WLL), a 9/16"-12 3200 -
maximum of 45° is permitted at
5/8"-11 4000 5200
LLE
3/4"-10 6000 7200
• The user must look up WLL 7/8"-9 7000 10600
information prior to use
1"-8 9000 13300
1-1/8"-7 12000 15000
1-1/4"-7 15000 21000
1-1/2"-6 21000 24000
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 Shoulder Nut Eye Bolt – Installation for In-Line and
Angular Loading

A. The threaded shank must protrude In-line

through the load sufficiently to allow full
Pull angle
engagement of the nut
45°
B. If the eye bolt protrudes so far through
the load that the nut cannot be tightened
securely against the load, use properly
sized washers to take up the excess
space BETWEEN THE NUT AND THE
LOAD 90°
C. Place washers or spacers between nut
and load so that when the nut is
tightened securely, the shoulder is
secured flush against the load surface
D. Thickness of spacers must exceed this
distance between the bottom of the load
C,D
and the last thread of the eye bolt B
A
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 Regular Nut & Shoulder Nut Eye Bolt - Installation for
In-line Loading with a tapped hole

• More than one eye bolt diameter • One eye bolt diameter of threads
of threads, only (1) nut is required or less, use two (2) nuts
• Tighten hex nut securely against • Tighten hex nut securely against
load load

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 Regular Nut & Shoulder Nut Eye Bolt - Installation for
In-line Loading with a tapped hole

• Minimum engagement depth is 2 x • One eye bolt diameter of threads

Diameter or less is not allowed

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 Examples of non-load rated eyebolts that should never
be used for rigging

welded eye bolt open eye bolt bent eye bolt

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 Machinery eye bolt Do’s

• Visually inspect eyebolts for any damage or corrosion on threads

and body
• Always be sure threads on the shank and receiving holes are clean
• Insure the eyebolt has proper identification markings
• Always countersink receiving hole or use washers to seat the shoulder
properly
• Always screw the eye bolt down completely for proper seating
• Always tighten nuts securely against the load
• When using blind tapped holes, make sure thread engagement is more
than 1.5 times the diameter of the thread in steel and 2.5 times in
aluminum

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 Machinery eye bolt Don’ts

• Do not use the eyebolt if it is bent, damaged, or has been modified

• Do not use if the eyebolt if it does not have proper identification
markings
• Do not use shouldered eyebolts at angles between 45 and 90 degrees to
bolt axis
• Do not repair, replace, or modify an eyebolt
• Do not use if a gap exists between the part and eyebolt
• Do not use a hook larger than the diameter of the eyebolt opening
• Do not use a plain pattern eye bolt for angular pulls
• Shock loading must be avoided
• Never machine, grind, or cut an eye bolt
• Never use eye bolt that shows signs of wear or damage
• Never use eye bolt if eye or shank is bent or elongated
• Never exceed the load rating
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 Is this eyebolt safe to use? No, because the shoulder
has been damaged

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 Shackles

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 Shackles are used for connecting various pieces of
rigging equipment together

• Used as a connecting link

between items
— Strap to hoist ring or eyebolt
— Strap to strap
— Used as single attach point
for multiple straps

• Load rating based on:

— Size
— Material

• Many different types and sizes

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 Examples of shackle usage

• Strap to diagnostic • With multiple straps

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 Round pin shackle

• Round Pin Shackles can be used in tie down, towing,

suspension or lifting applications where the load is
strictly applied in-line

• Round pin shackles should never be used in rigging

applications to gather multiple sling legs, or where side
loading conditions may occur

Round pin shackles are not approved for use at LLE

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 Screw pin shackle

• Screw Pin Shackles are used in Pick and Place

applications.
• For permanent or long-term installations, Crosby
recommends the use of bolt type shackles.
Alternatively, the screw pin shall be secured from
rotation or loosening.
• Screw pin shackles can be used for applications
involving side-loading circumstances
• Reduced working load limits are required for side-
loading applications
• While in service, do not allow the screw pin to be
rotated by a live line, such as a choker application

Screw pin shackles are preferred for use at LLE

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 Bolt-type shackle

• Bolt-Type Shackles can be used in any application

where round pin or screw pin shackles are used

• In addition, they are recommended for permanent or

long term installations and where the load may slide on
the shackle pin causing the pin to rotate

• The bolt-type shackle’s secondary securement system,

utilizing a nut and cotter, eliminates the requirement to
tighten pin before each lift or movement of load

Bolt-type shackles must have the cotter pin installed

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 Shackle identification markings

Manufacturer 45° mark

(Crosby)

Size
(3/4)
Working Load Limit
( 4 ¾ T)

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 Side loading of screw pin and bolt type shackles results
in a reduction of the working load limit

In-line 45°
Angle of Side Load from
Vertical In-Line of shackle Adjusted WLL
0° In-Line 100% of Rated WLL 90°
45° from In-Line 70% of Rated WLL
90° from In-Line 50% of Rated WLL

In-line load
90° from in-line

At LLE shackles are only permitted to be loaded in-line

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 Shackle load ratings are based upon the use angle with
multiple straps

• Shackles symmetrically loaded with two leg slings having a maximum

included angle of 120° and can be utilized to full working load limit of the
shackle
• Never exceed a 120° included angle and only use bolt-type or screw-pin
shackles

120°

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 61 of 101

 Shackle rigging practices for Crosby shackles

• Point loading of shackle bows is • Point loading of shackle pins is

acceptable acceptable when the load is
reasonably centered on the pin

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 62 of 101

 Shackle rigging practices with synthetic slings

• Folding, bunching, or pinching of

synthetic slings can occur when
used with shackles

• Folding, bunching, and pinching

of synthetic slings reduces the
sling load rating and must be
avoided

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 63 of 101

 Shackle rigging practices

• Screw pins shall be fully engaged

• If designed for a cotter pin, it shall
be used and maintained
• Applied load should be centered
in the bow to prevent side loading
• Multiple sling legs must not be
applied to the pin
• If the shackle is side loaded, the
rated load shall be reduced
• Never have the pin against the live
line in a choker. The pin must go
through the bow of the sling.

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 Shackle Do’s

• Visually inspect shackles for any damage or wear on ring and pin
• Insure shackles have proper identification markings
• Finger tighten the pin into ring of shackle
• Check for proper fit of the pin into ring
• Check the load ratings and use according to manufacturer
recommendations

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 65 of 101

 Shackle Don’ts

• Do not use a shackle if it is bent, damaged, or has been modified

• Do not use if the shackle does not have proper identification markings
• Do not use a tool to tighten a shackle pin
• Do not repair, replace, or modify a shackle
• Do not use a shackle if the pin has been replaced with a bolt
• Do not use a hook larger than the diameter of the shackle opening
• Never exceed the load rating

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 66 of 101

 What is the WLL of this shackle? Zero, because the
screw pin has been replaced with a bolt

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 67 of 101

 What is the WLL of this shackle? Zero, welding
changes the strength of the shackle material

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 68 of 101

 Never use counterfeit or unknown hardware

• Rigging hardware must be identifiable with all information clearly legible

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 69 of 101

 Hooks

• Shank hook

• Swivel hook

• Eye hook

• Grab hook

• Slip hook

• Sorting hook

• Sliding choker hook

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 70 of 101
 Of the wide variety of hooks that are available, only a
few types are used at LLE

• In general, the only hooks used at LLE are the load hooks
attached to hoists
— The overhead cranes use shank hooks with latches
— The electric chain hoists use clevis hooks with latches

• Most rigging situations at LLE do not require any additional

hooks. Contact ME for situations where additional hooks
may be required

• Of all of the hooks shown, only the sorting hook may be

point loaded. All other types of hooks must not be point
loaded.

Rev 10/20/2015 Basic Rigging Safety Lecture-2015-10-20.pptm 71 of 101

 The load hook

• Always inspect the hook and latch before use

• Never use a latch that is distorted or bent
• Always make sure spring will force the latch against the
tip of the hook
• Insure there is no excessive wear in the saddle of the
hook
• Always make sure the hook supports the load. The
latch must never support the load
• Latches are intended to retain loose sling or devices
under slack conditions
• Latches are not intended to be an anti-fouling device
• Only load the hook in the “saddle” or “bowl” within ±45°
of vertical
• Hooks are only to be loaded In-line

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 72 of 101

 What is wrong with this picture?

Hook too big for eye

Point loaded hook

Eye bolt not seated

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 73 of 101

 Loading the load hook

• When placing two sling legs in a hook, make sure the

angle between the legs is less than 90° and if the hook
or load is tilted, nothing bears against the bottom of this
latch
• For two legged slings with angles greater than 90°, use
an intermediate link such as a master link or bolt type
shackle to collect the legs of the slings. The
intermediate link can be placed over the hook to provide
an in-line load on the hook. This approach must also be
used when using slings with three or more legs.
• Make sure all rigging materials are secured inside the
latch area and the latch closes
• Never point load a hook

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 74 of 101

 Hook latches must be closed

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 75 of 101

 Are these hooks acceptable for use?

No!
No!!
and
No!!!

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 76 of 101

 Rigging math

Load
SlingTension =
# legs • sin θ
θ
Load
CollapseForce =
# legs • tan θ
The sling angle θ is always
Load measured from the horizontal

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 77 of 101

 Sling tension in a vertical hitch

10,000 Lbs. What is the

of tension on Sling sling tension?

10,000 Lbs.

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 78 of 101

 Sling tension in a two leg vertical hitch (basket hitch)

What is the sling tension on

5,000 Lbs. each leg? 5,000 Lbs.
of tension on of tension on
each Sling each Sling

10,000 Lbs.

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 79 of 101

 Sling tension in a two leg bridle hitch

Load

Sling tension will increase as the sling angle θ gets smaller

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 80 of 101
 Sling tension in a two leg bridle hitch at 60°

5,775 lbs. 5,775 lbs.

60o 60o

10,000 Lbs.

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 81 of 101

 Sling tension in a two leg bridle hitch at 45°

7,070 lbs. 7,070 lbs.

45o 45o

10,000 Lbs.

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 82 of 101

 Sling tension in a two leg bridle hitch at 30°

10,000 lbs. 10,000 lbs.

30o 30o

10,000 Lbs.

Notice that at 30° the tension in the sling is equal to the Load
Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 83 of 101
 Sling tension in a two leg bridle hitch at 10°

28,800 lbs. 28,800 lbs.

10o 10o

10,000 Lbs.

Notice that at below 30° the tension in the sling is greater than Load
Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 84 of 101
 Using a sling at any angle other than vertical applies a
collapsing force on the load

• High collapsing forces can lead to

— load buckling
— exceeding the pad eye strength of where the hoist attaches to the
load

Collapsing Force

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 85 of 101

 Rigging with a 3 or 4 sling bridle hitches

• With 3 and 4 leg sling bridle hitches, only 2 legs will likely carry the load
while the other two steady (balance) the load
• Use only 2 legs when calculating the required load rating for rigging
equipment
• Use the smallest sling angle when calculating load rating

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 86 of 101

 Checking sling angles with simple geometry

• For 60° sling angle

L L
— All sides of the triangle are
equal length
60°
L

• For 45° sling angle

H — The base of the triangle is
45° twice the height
2H

• For 30° sling angle

2H
30° H — The height is one-half of the
sling length

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 87 of 101

 For a two leg bridle hitch the basic rigger should size
rigging hardware based on a two leg bridle hitch at 30°

• Recall – Shackles symmetrically loaded with two leg slings having a

maximum included angle of 120° can be utilized to the full working load
limit of the shackle
10,000 lbs. 10,000 lbs.
120o
30o 30o

10,000 Lbs.

• Select the sling load rating to be equal or greater than the payload and
use a sling angle greater than 30°
Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 88 of 101
 Basic rigging practices

• When multiple slings are used on a common hook or bridle;

— Always use sling angles greater than 30°
— For sling load calculations use Sling Tension = Load

• All rigging hardware must satisfy the load rating requirements of the lift
to be performed
— It either meets the load requirements or not (there is no such thing
as just over the load capacity)

• Use single slings between hooks and attachment points on the payload
— do not reeve slings between attachment points

• All slings must be straight and free of knots

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 89 of 101

 Basic rigging practices – continued

• When more than one wide sling (>1”) or two narrow slings (1”) are
required, they shall be placed in a shackle or bridle which is then placed
on the crane hook

CORRECT

WRONG
Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 90 of 101
 Hand signals

• Posters containing complete hand

single information are posted near the
overhead bridge cranes

• Complete knowledge of the hand

signals is required for operation of the
overhead cranes

• Complete knowledge of the hand

signals is required for all riggers

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 91 of 101

 Knowledge of hand signals is required

• Hand signals are not likely to be needed in most

spaces because of close proximity and the use of
radios

• However, all operators must know all of the

listed/posted hand signals

• The hoist operator will only follow hand signals

from a designated signalman (usually a rigger)

• Anyone may call for a stop or an emergency stop

and it must be obeyed by the hoist operator

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 92 of 101

 Knowledge of these eight hand signals is required

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 93 of 101

 Qualified Advanced Riggers

• Advanced Riggers are available to support Basic Riggers to ensure safe

lifting conditions
— Dan Neyland, Omega XOPS
— Jeff Rodas, EP XOPS
— Mark Romanofsky, ME
— Milt Shoup, ME

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 94 of 101

 Summary
Safety is everyone’s business and compliance with
safety procedures is MANDATORY

• If an activity or practice seems unsafe, “Stop Work” and take the

time to address concerns
• Only designated or qualified personnel may attach loads to an
overhead hoist
• No LLE personnel are qualified or permitted to repair rigging
equipment
• Only approved/rated rigging gear shall be attached to a load hook
• Load ratings shall never be exceeded
• It is the riggers responsibility to ensure all components used in a
rigging operation meet the required load ratings
— If a rigger is unable to determine a proper rigging configuration
contact ME or an Advanced Rigger for support

Rev 10/20/2015 Ba s ic Rigging S a fe ty Le cture -2015-10-20.pptm 95 of 101

 Example test questions

• A payload is being lifted using a vertical hitch with the following

components; Plain machinery eye bolt (WLL 2600 lb), synthetic sling
(vertical WLL 10000 lb), Hoist (1T). What is the maximum payload?
— 1300 lb
— 2000 lb
— 2600 lb
— 10000 lb
— Not enough information or not safe

• 2000 lb – limited by the hoist

Rev 10/20/2015 Basic Rigging Safety Lecture-2015-10-20.pptm 96 of 101

 Example test questions

• A payload is being lifted with a sling in basket hitch configuration with

the following components; synthetic sling (basket WLL 10000 lb), and
Hoist (4T). What is the maximum payload?
— 4000 lb
— 8000 lb
— 10000 lb
— Not enough information or not safe

• Not enough information – What is the sling angle?

Rev 10/20/2015 Basic Rigging Safety Lecture-2015-10-20.pptm 97 of 101

 Example test questions

• A payload is being lifted using a 2 leg bridle hitch assembled with the
following individual components; Plain machinery eye bolts (WLL 2600
lb), synthetic slings (vertical WLL 1000 lb), Shackles (WLL 4T), and Hoist
(5T). What is the maximum payload?
— 1000 lb
— 1300 lb
— 2600 lb
— 8000 lb
— 10000 lb
— Not enough information or not safe

• Not safe – Plain eye bolts can ONLY be used for vertical lifts, no sling
angle provided

Rev 10/20/2015 Basic Rigging Safety Lecture-2015-10-20.pptm 98 of 101

 Example test questions

• A payload is being lifted using a 2 leg bridle hitch assembled with the
following individual components; Plain machinery eye bolts (WLL 2600
lb), synthetic slings (vertical WLL 1000 lb), Shackles (WLL 4T), and Hoist
(5T). The sling angle is 30°. What is the maximum payload?
— 1000 lb
— 1300 lb
— 2600 lb
— 8000 lb
— 10000 lb
— Not enough information or not safe

• Not safe – Plain eye bolts can ONLY be used for vertical lifts

Rev 10/20/2015 Basic Rigging Safety Lecture-2015-10-20.pptm 99 of 101

 Example test questions

• A payload is being lifted using a 2 leg bridle hitch assembled with the
following individual components; hoist rings (WLL 5000 lb), synthetic
slings (vertical WLL 10000 lb), Shackles (WLL 4T), and Hoist (5T). The
sling angle is 30°. What is the maximum payload?
— 2500 lb
— 5000 lb
— 7500 lb
— 8000 lb
— 10000 lb
— Not enough information or not safe

• Remember that in a 2 leg configuration at 30° the tension in the sling

tension is equal to the load

Rev 10/20/2015 Basic Rigging Safety Lecture-2015-10-20.pptm 100 of 101

 Example test questions

• A payload is being lifted using a 4 leg bridle hitch assembled with the
following individual components; hoist rings (WLL 5000 lb), synthetic
slings (vertical WLL 10000 lb), Shackles (WLL 4T), and Hoist (5T). The
sling angle is 30°. What is the maximum payload?
— 2500 lb
— 5000 lb
— 7500 lb
— 8000 lb
— 10000 lb
— Not enough information or not safe

• Remember that with a 4 leg bridle hitch the load must be assumed to be
only on 2 legs

Rev 10/20/2015 Basic Rigging Safety Lecture-2015-10-20.pptm 101 of 101